Joshua 19:39

This [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities and their villages.

This is the inheritance {H5159} of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Naphtali {H5321} according to their families {H4940}, the cities {H5892} and their villages {H2691}.

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the descendants of Naftali according to their families, the cities with their villages.

This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Naphtali, including these cities and their villages.

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities with their villages.

Commentary

Context

Joshua 19:39 concludes the detailed description of the territory allotted to the tribe of Naphtali, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This verse serves as a summary statement, marking the end of the land distribution for this particular tribe, following the pattern seen with other tribes in Joshua chapters 13-19. The division of the land of Canaan was a monumental task, carried out under the leadership of Joshua, fulfilling God's long-standing promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit this land. The meticulous listing of cities and villages underscores the precision and divine order in the fulfillment of this covenant. For the preceding details of Naphtali's borders, see Joshua 19:32-38.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness: This verse, like all the land allotments, powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness in keeping His promises. Generations after the initial promise to Abraham (e.g., Genesis 12:7), the descendants of Jacob now possessed their promised inheritance.
  • Order and Fulfillment: The systematic division of the land, recorded in detail, highlights God's orderly nature and the precise fulfillment of His prophetic word concerning Israel's settlement.
  • Identity and Belonging: The assigned territory was fundamental to the identity and social structure of each tribe. It provided a secure home, a place to belong, and the foundation for their future generations.
  • Inheritance (Nachalah): The term "inheritance" (Hebrew: nachalah) is central here. It signifies a divinely allotted possession, a secured portion that was not merely conquered but given by God, ensuring the tribe's long-term stability and livelihood.

Linguistic Insights

The key term in this verse is "inheritance" (Hebrew: nachalah). This word carries significant theological weight, referring not just to a physical possession but to a divinely granted legacy or allotment. It emphasizes that the land was a gift from God, rather than merely a spoil of war. The phrase "according to their families" reinforces the idea that the land was divided systematically, ensuring each family within the tribe received its due portion, maintaining tribal and familial lines.

Significance and Application

Joshua 19:39, while seemingly a straightforward administrative detail, carries profound theological significance. It reminds us of God's meticulous care and His commitment to fulfilling every promise He makes. Just as the tribe of Naphtali received a tangible inheritance, believers today are assured of a spiritual inheritance in Christ. This spiritual inheritance is not a physical land but includes all the blessings and promises of God, secured through faith in Jesus Christ. As Paul writes, we have obtained an inheritance in Him. This verse encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness to provide for us, to fulfill His word, and to secure our place in His eternal kingdom. It underscores that God's plans are always precise and complete.

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Cross-References

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